West Midland RFCA

Reservists successfully reach Everest Base Camp

Fourteen members of 37th Signal Regiment set off on an expedition of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. After pre-deployment training to focus on mountain fitness, first aid and navigation in Wales at Capel Curig, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) and Moel Siabod, the group flew into Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Packing three weeks of expedition kit into 15kg duffel bags and…

‘Going For Gold’ event launches in the West Midlands

On 2nd March 2023, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association held its first-ever ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire. Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations, from across their region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Creative…

Summit Learning Trust pledges their support to the Armed Forces community

On the 7th March Summit Learning Trust hosted a collective Armed Forces Covenant signing event at Solihull Sixth Form College. A total of 10 Armed Forces Covenants were signed by Summit Learning Trust and all eight of their member academies, and South Birmingham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).  The event was organised by Summit Learning Trust in collaboration with our Association.  The Summit…

West Midland RFCA welcomes 1000th Armed Forces Covenant signee

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are pleased to welcome City of Birmingham Rockets as the 1000th company, within the West Midland RFCA region, to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and pledge their support to the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2014 and is used across the country for businesses to…

Army Cadets enjoy adventure-packed week in Cyprus

Over the October half term 24 cadets from Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) travelled to Cyprus for a week of challenging outdoor adventure training. Mountain biking, diving, paddle boarding, mini-golf and trips to cultural sites filled their action-packed week designed to build confidence and courage, and increase their knowledge, teamwork and leadership skills. One of the highlights of the trip proved to be…

Armed Forces friendly employers win Gold

Five businesses from the West Midlands RFCA region have been presented with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a special ceremony in Staffordshire. The joint regional event held on 2nd November at The National Memorial Arboretum saw twenty-three employers from East and West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Associations’ regions recognised for the outstanding support they give to the…

Head of RAF supports Jon Egging Trust in signing of Armed Forces Covenant

Head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Mike Wigston, supported youth charity the Jon Egging Trust (JET) in its signing of the Armed Forces Covenant at a ceremony at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. ACM Wigston was hosted during the visit by JET CEO, Dr Emma Egging, who said that the occasion was of huge significance to the charity, who delivered…

Midlands employers receive coveted Ministry of Defence Award

Twenty three employers from the West Midlands region received their Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards alongside eight organisations who had theirs revalidated from 2017. The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (West Midland RFCA) awards took place on Wednesday 21st September at the National Memorial Arboretum. The ERS awards were launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for…

NMITE showcases opportunities for military community

The third annual NMITE Military to Business Showcase opened its doors at a brand new venue on Reserves Day in June, welcoming guests and exhibitors to the Shell Store in Hereford. Hosting the event in collaboration with Landau Limited – and with support from our Association and sponsors the Shell Store, Coffee Cart, the Chambers of Commerce and Shaun Leavy – organisations from…

West Midlands Gold employers announced

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 5 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award winners for 2022. In addition one further employer has had their ERS Gold Award from 2017 revalidated for their continued commitment.  Our regional winners join this year’s total of 156 Gold award winners and…